Renowned Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof's latest film, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," earned an overwhelming 12-minute standing ovation at its premiere during the final hours of the Cannes Film Festival. The powerful drama, which highlights the struggles of a family in Tehran amidst the oppressive practices of the Iranian government, captivated audiences and solidified its position as a top contender for the festival's prestigious Palme d'Or award.

Rasoulof's presence at the screening carried tremendous significance, as he risked his life by appearing at Cannes after fleeing Iran on May 13 to avoid imprisonment. The filmmaker had previously been sentenced to eight years in jail by Iranian authorities for daring to criticize the regime through his work. His appearance at the festival was a defiant political statement in itself, and the audience inside the Palais responded with rapturous applause as Rasoulof took his seat.

The atmosphere only escalated from there, with the clapping continuing during the film's end credits. While the official timing of the standing ovation begins once the house lights come up, the heartfelt applause and cheers for Rasoulof grew louder and louder, accompanied by a sense of solidarity. One audience member even displayed a sign bearing the message "Femme! Vie! Liberté!" (Woman! Life! Freedom!), in support of the Iranian women fighting for their fundamental rights.

The enthusiastic response and the weight of its political undertones have firmly established "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" as a frontrunner for the prestigious Palme d'Or award. The film's powerful narrative and Rasoulof's courage in creating it have resonated deeply with both critics and audiences, making it one of the most talked-about competition titles of the year.

During the premiere, Rasoulof expressed gratitude to the crowd in Farsi and voiced hope for a brighter future in Iran. He revealed that many of the actors in the film were unable to obtain permission to attend the Cannes premiere. On the red carpet, Rasoulof displayed images of two of the film's stars, Soheila Golestani and Missagh Zareh, who were unable to leave Iran for the event. Rasoulof also shared that Golestani had been arrested by Iranian security services, further highlighting the challenges faced by those involved in the production.

"The Seed of the Sacred Fig" revolves around Iman, portrayed by Zareh, an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court of Tehran. Set against a backdrop of escalating nationwide political protests, Iman grapples with mistrust and paranoia as his gun mysteriously disappears. The film also stars Mahsa Rostami as Iman's wife and Setareh Maleki as his daughter.

Rasoulof's previous works, including "Goodbye" in 2011, "Manuscripts Don't Burn" in 2013, and "A Man of Integrity" in 2017, have cemented his status as a Cannes regular. His films have garnered critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, showcasing his unwavering dedication to shedding light on the socio-political issues within Iran.

As the Cannes Film Festival draws closer to its closing ceremony, the overwhelming response to "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" has positioned Rasoulof as a prominent figure in this year's lineup. With a mesmerizing standing ovation, the film's resonance and political weight have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on audiences and marked it as an influential contender for one of the most coveted awards in international cinema.